Connector port for network interface device

ABSTRACT

A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connector port includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/145,275, filed Jun. 3, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/784,610, filed Feb. 23, 2004 that issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,449 on Aug. 9, 2005, which are herebyincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a connector port for use inan optical network, and more particularly, to a connector port adaptedfor a network interface device (NID) to receive a connectorized opticalfiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cablefrom outside the NID.

2. Description of the Related Art

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of broadbandapplications including voice, video and data transmissions. As a resultof the ever-increasing demand for broadband communications, fiber opticnetworks typically include a large number of mid-span access locationsat which one or more optical fibers are branched from a distributioncable. These mid-span access locations provide a branch point from thedistribution cable leading to an end user, commonly referred to as asubscriber, and thus, may be used to extend an “all optical”communications network closer to the subscriber. In this regard, fiberoptic networks are being developed that deliver “fiber-to-the-curb”(FTTC), “fiber-to-the-business” (FTTB), “fiber-to-the-home” (FTTH), or“fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP), referred to generically as “FTTx.” Basedon the rapid proliferation of these fiber optic networks, it isdesirable to provide communications hardware and equipment operable forreadily connecting a subscriber to the fiber optic network.

With an FTTx optical network, subscribers may purchase different voice,video and data communication services from a single service provider,such as a telephone company, and equip their homes, businesses or thelike with communications equipment, such as a telephone, television,facsimile machine, computer, etc., to utilize such services. Thesubscriber is responsible for proper operation of the subscriber'scommunications equipment and wiring, while the service provider isresponsible for the proper operation of the optical network equipmentand wiring up to the network interface, commonly referred to as the“demarcation point,” between the service provider wiring and thesubscriber wiring. The demarcation point is accessible to both thesubscriber and the service provider and is typically located at thesubscriber premises in a network interface device (NID) or a buildingentrance terminal (BET) that is mounted on the exterior wall of a home,office, apartment, commercial or residential building, or the like.

To connect the subscriber to the optical network, one or more dropcables are optically connected between a distribution cable and thedemarcation point in the NID at the subscriber premises. Substantialexpertise and experience are required to configure the opticalconnections between the drop cable and the distribution cable, andbetween the drop cable and the subscriber wiring in the field. Inparticular, it is often difficult to enter the NID and to join theoptical fibers of the drop cable with the optical fibers leading fromthe subscriber's communications equipment using conventional splicingtechniques, such as fusion splicing. In other instances, the opticalfibers of the drop cable are first spliced to a short length of opticalfiber having an optical connector mounted upon the other end, referredto in the art as a “pigtail.” The pigtail is then routed to one side ofa connector adapter sleeve located in the NID to interconnect the dropcable with a connectorized optical fiber leading from the subscriber'scommunications equipment. In either case, the process of entering theNID and fusion splicing optical fibers is not only time consuming, butfrequently must be accomplished by a highly skilled field technician atsignificant cost and under working conditions in the field that are lessthan ideal. Further, once the optical connections are made, it is oftenlabor intensive, and therefore costly, to disconnect or reconfigure theexisting optical connections, or to make additional optical connections.

In order to reduce costs by permitting less experienced and less skilledtechnicians to connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connectionsin the field, communications service providers are increasinglypre-engineering new fiber optic networks and demanding factory-preparedinterconnection solutions, commonly referred to as “plug-and-play” typesystems. Pre-engineered networks, however, require that certain opticalfibers within the network be pre-connectorized and that opticalconnection terminals in the network be adapted to receive thepre-connectorized optical fibers, for example a pre-connectorized dropcable at a subscriber NID. With regard to a factory-preparedplug-and-play system for connecting a subscriber's communicationsequipment to an optical network at a demarcation point, it would bedesirable to provide a connector port adapted for a NID to receive aconnectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable from outside the NID. It would also be desirablein an FTTx optical network to provide a NID having a connector port thatis operable to readily interconnect a connectorized optical fiber frominside the NID with a feeder cable, branch cable or distribution cableof the optical network by means of a pre-connectorized fiber optic dropcable. It would also be desirable to provide a connector port and a NIDfor use in an FTTx optical network that permits a less experienced andless skilled field technician to readily connect, disconnect andreconfigure optical connections in the field.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with thepurposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides various embodiments of a connector port foruse in a fiber optic communications network and adapted for a NID toreceive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and apre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the NID. Invarious embodiments, the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable may berouted to the NID from an upstream component in the optical network,such as from a feeder cable, branch cable or distribution cable, anetwork access point (NAP) closure, a distribution terminal, amulti-port optical connection terminal or another NID. In variousembodiments, the connector port permits a less experienced and lessskilled field technician to readily connect, disconnect or reconfigureoptical connections between a pre-connectorized drop cable and aconnectorized optical fiber leading from the subscriber's communicationsequipment in order to extend an “all-optical” communications network toa subscriber premises.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a connector portadapted for a NID and utilized in an optical network to interconnect asubscriber's communications equipment with a pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable. The connector port includes a connector receptacle foroptically connecting a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NIDto a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID, and a mount forsecuring, the connector receptacle adjacent a drop cable opening formedin an external wall of the NID.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is an exteriorconnector port adapted for mounting to a NID adjacent an external wallof the NID defining a cable opening. The exterior connector portincludes a base, a cover for covering the base such that the base andthe cover define a cavity, a connector receptacle secured to the basewithin the cavity, at least one slot defined by at least one of the baseand cover for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable, andmeans for securing the base to the external wall of the NID. Theexterior connector port provides an optical connection between thepre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the NID and aconnectorized optical fiber from inside the NID. The exterior connectorport further functions as a demarcation point between a fiber opticcommunications network and a subscriber premises that permits a lessexperienced and less skilled field technician to readily connect,disconnect or reconfigure the optical connection.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is aninterior connector port adapted for a NID having an opening defined inan external wall of the NID for receiving a pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable. The interior connector port includes a bracket mountedwithin the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. Theconnector receptacle is provided to permit a less experienced and lessskilled field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigurean optical connection between the pre-connectorized fiber optic dropcable and a connectorized optical fiber leading from a subscriber'scommunications equipment. The connector receptacle includes a first endconfigured for receiving a connectorized optical fiber from inside theNID and a second end configured for receiving the pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is aconnector port assembly adapted to be located within an external wall ofa NID at a subscriber premises for readily connecting and disconnectinga pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable of an optical communicationsnetwork. The connector port assembly includes an insert that ispositioned in a cable opening defined by the external wall of the NID, aconnector receptacle mounted to the insert and a central opening definedby the insert operable for receiving and allowing the pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable to pass through. The connector port assembly isconfigured to permit a field technician to readily connect, disconnectand reconfigure an optical connection between the pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable and a connectorized optical fiber leading from asubscriber's communications equipment.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a NIDincluding a connector port for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable at a subscriber premises. The NID includes a housing definingthe external wall and an interior cavity, a cable opening formed throughthe external wall, a connector port insert positioned within the cableopening for mounting a connector receptacle adjacent the connector portinsert. The connector receptacle includes a first end configured forreceiving a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a secondend configured for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic dropcable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention are better understood when the following detailed descriptionof the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior connector port adapted for aNID that comprises a connector receptacle secured adjacent an externalwall of the NID in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interior connector port adapted for aNID that comprises a connector receptacle secured to a bracket mountedwithin an internal cavity of the NID in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insert adapted for a NID thatcomprises a connector receptacle and is configured to be positionedwithin a drop cable opening provided in a wall of the NID in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are shown. However, this invention may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. These exemplary embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the variousdrawings.

The present invention provides various exemplary embodiments of aconnector port adapted for a network interface device (NID) to receive aconnectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable from outside the NID. In all embodiments, theconnector port is operable for permitting a field technician to readilyconnect, disconnect or reconfigure a pre-connectorized fiber optic dropcable of a fiber optic communications network. The connector port mayinclude a connector adapter sleeve disposed within a connectorreceptacle, or may be configured to receive a pair of mating opticalconnectors in any suitable manner now known or hereafter devised.Regardless, the connector port is configured for making an opticalconnection between a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID anda pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the NID. In anexemplary embodiment described herein, an exterior connector port issecured adjacent a drop cable opening defined in an external wall of theNID. In another exemplary embodiment described herein, an interiorconnector port is secured to a bracket that is mounted within aninterior cavity defined by the NID. In yet another exemplary embodimentdescribed herein, a connector port is secured to an insert positionedwithin a drop cable opening defined by an external wall of the NID, suchas the bottom wall of the NID.

In each of the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, aconnectorized optical fiber is routed to the connector port from insidethe NID. Alternatively, an optical fiber from inside the NID may bespliced to an optical fiber having an optical connector mounted on theother end (i.e., a “pigtail”) and the pigtail routed to the connectorport. Once the optical fiber is connectorized and routed to theconnector port, a pre-connectorized drop cable is then routed to theconnector port from outside the NID at any time subsequent to theinitial installation of the NID. The size of the NID may vary based uponthe amount of optical fiber slack stored within the NID, the number ofconnector ports provided, and thin number and size of any additionalpassive or active optical, electronic or opto-electronic equipmenthoused within the NID.

In certain embodiments, the connector port is secured to an insert whoseshape may vary somewhat based on the specific design of the NID, and inparticular, the size and shape of the opening provided for receiving adrop cable. One example of a NID design that may be used in conjunctionwith the connector port of the present invention is an FTTH/CATVIndoor/Outdoor Network Interface Device available from Corning CableSystems LLC of Hickory, N.C. Another possible NID design is the SABRE®Enclosure also available from Corning Cables Systems LLC of Hickory,N.C. Both these NID designs comprise a base defining a cable openingformed through the bottom wall of the NID. The cable opening comprises aslot for receiving a grommet that may be removed and replaced with aninsert of a connector port according to the invention.

As used herein, the term “connector port” is intended to refer generallyto the structure and location at which a connectorized optical fiberfrom inside the NID is optically connected to a pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable from outside the NID. The connector port may alsoinclude a generic or universal connector receptacle for receiving theconnectors of the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorizeddrop cable. Preferably, the connector receptacle is configured toreceive a pair of mating single or multifiber ferrules mounted upon theend portions of respective optical fibers. One of the ferrules ismounted upon the end portion of the optical fiber(s) of a cable, ribbon,or optical device housed within the NID and leading from a subscriber'scommunications equipment. The other ferrule is mounted upon the endportion of the optical fiber(s) of the pre-connectorized drop cableleading from a component of the optical network located upstream of theNID, such as a feeder cable, branch cable or distribution cable, anetwork access point (NAP) closure, a distribution terminal, amulti-port optical connection terminal or another NID. The ferrules arethen brought into alignment and optical engagement by a connectoradapter sleeve positioned within a cavity defined by the connectorreceptacle. If present, the connector adapter sleeve assists in grossalignment of the ferrules, and ferrule guide pins or other alignmentmeans may be provided to assist in detailed alignment of the opticalfibers on the end faces of the ferrules. In further embodiments, theconnector receptacle may comprise a biasing member that operably engagesthe connector adapter sleeve so as to urge the sleeve toward one end ofthe connector receptacle, and thereby floatingly align the matingferrules engaged within the sleeve.

The connector port may be adapted to accommodate a variety of connectortypes, such as but not limited to, simplex and/or duplex SC, LC, DC, FC,ST, SC/DC, MT-RJ, MTP and MPO ferrules. The factory pre-connectorizeddrop cable may be strain or torsion relieved through the connector tothe connector port or associated structural components, therebyeliminating the need for a field technician to strain or torsion relievethe drop cable to the NID in the field. By providing strain and/ortorsion relief at the connector port, conventional brackets or otherhardware for engaging the outer sheath or strength members of the dropcable are not needed. In addition to providing strain or torsion relief,the connector port may provide an environmental seal at the interfacebetween the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable. Furthermore, any unused connector ports may be coveredand sealed with a removable cap or plug.

In one example, the upstream end of a fiber optic drop cable isoptically connected to one or more optical fibers of a feeder cable,branch cable or distribution cable of the communications network withina conventional network access point (NAP) closure, a distributionterminal, a multi-port optical connection terminal, a local convergencecabinet (LCC) or a pedestal of the types available from Coming CableSystems LLC of Hickory, N.C., with the other end being opticallyconnected at the NID to one or more connectorized optical fibers leadingfrom a subscriber's communications equipment. In serving the foregoingfunction, the present invention facilitates the deployment of an“all-optical” FTTx communications network.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a NID 20 is shown having an exterior connectorport 22 to receive a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 at asubscriber premises. The exterior connector port 22 permits an opticalfiber of the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 to be readilyinterconnected with a connectorized optical fiber (not shown) frominside the NID 20. As is well known and understood by those skilled inthe art, the pre-connectorized drop cable 24 comprises a flexibletransport tube containing one or more optical fibers that are opticallyconnected to a fiber optic communications network. The exteriorconnector port 22 provides a convenient termination point in an opticalnetwork to permit a less experienced and less skilled field technicianto initially install and subsequently disconnect or reconfigure opticalconnections at the NID 20.

While only a portion of the NID 20 is shown in FIG. 1, the NID 20 isintended to include, but is not limited to, any enclosure, container orhousing, such as a NID, building entrance terminal (BET), pedestal oroptical network unit (ONU) purchased by or for a subscriber to obtaincommunication services from a service provider. In addition, the NID 20typically provides a demarcation point between the subscriber'scommunications equipment and the optical network at a residence,business, or the like. The NID 20 may be of any shape or size providedthat it comprises at least one drop cable opening 26 defined by anexternal wall of the NID 20. The drop cable opening 26 is typicallyoccupied by a grommet that protects the interior of the NID from adverseenvironmental elements, such as infestation, dirt, dust, moisture andwind-driven rain, and that can be removed or modified (e.g., slit) toallow a drop cable to pass through. The NID 20 is typically mounted onthe exterior wall of a home, office, apartment, commercial orresidential building, or the like. However, the NID 20 may be installedon an interior wall or within a larger enclosure, such as atelecommunications cabinet or distribution terminal. The NID 20 furthercomprises optical hardware and equipment (not shown) mounted within aninterior cavity defined by the NID for delivering the communicationservices provided by the service provider. A connectorized optical fiber(not shown) optically connected to the subscriber's communicationsequipment is routed to the exterior connector port 22 from inside theNID 20 and optically connected to an optical fiber of thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 in any known manner.

The drop cable opening 26 is located within an external wall of the NID20, and preferably within the bottom wall of the NID, and comprises oneor more structural features for engaging a base 28 of the exteriorconnector port 22. In the embodiment shown, the structural featurescomprise a pair of tabs 30 adapted to be received within correspondingslots 32 defined by the base 28. The base 28 may be secured within thedrop cable opening 26 when the cover (not shown) of the NID 20 is in anopened position. The pre-connectorized drop cable 24 may then beoptically connected to a connectorized optical fiber (not shown) routedto the exterior connector port 22 from inside the NID 20. Once theoptical connection is made, a cover 34 may be positioned over the base28 to protect, seal and/or prevent unauthorized access to the exteriorconnector port 22. In certain NID designs, the NID comprises two or morecovers that may be opened independently to expose and thereby provideaccess to different areas, referred to as “compartments,” of the NID.For example, a first door (not shown) may be opened by both thesubscriber and the service provider to expose a subscriber compartmentcontaining optical terminations and means for testing the subscriberwiring and operation of the subscriber's communications equipment in aknown manner. A second door (not shown), commonly referred to as theservice provider access door, may be opened only by the service providerto provide access to a service provider compartment containingequipment, optical terminations and/or service provider wiring that onlythe service provider is intended to access. The base 28 and the cover 34may be inserted into the drop cable opening 26 underneath the seconddoor in order to restrict access to the exterior connector port 22 tothe service provider. Conversely, the cover 34 may be positioned betweenthe first door and the second door of the NID in order to permit accessto the exterior connector port 22 to both the service provider and thesubscriber, while preventing unauthorized access to the exteriorconnector port 22.

The NID 20, base 28 and cover 34 are preferably each made of alightweight, yet rigid material, such as aluminum, plastic orthermoplastic. If necessary, the base 28 and cover 34 may be providedwith lengthwise and/or widthwise stiffening ribs 36 to strengthen andprevent distortion of the base 28 and cover 34, respectively. The base28 and cover 34 together define a small enclosure for housing theexterior connector port 22 and the end portions of the connectorizedoptical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable 24. The base 28 andcover 34 may have any of a variety of shapes that is suitable forhousing the exterior connector port 22 and the end portions of theconnectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable 24provided that one or the other integrally defines, or is configured toaccept, a mount 38 for securing the exterior connector port 22 adjacentthe drop cable opening 26. The base 28 and cover 34 of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 are generally elongated in the lengthwisedimension relative to the lateral dimension. Preferably, the cover 34 isremovably attached to the base 28 to provide unobstructed access to theexterior connector port 22. Optionally, the base 28 or the cover 34 isprovided with conventional fasteners for securing the cover 34 and thebase 28 together in a closed configuration. A sealing gasket (not shown)may also be disposed between the base 28 and the cover 34 to provide aseal against adverse environmental elements, such as infestation, dirt,dust, moisture and wind-driven rain.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises an exteriorconnector port 22 for connecting a single pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable 24 to one or more connectorized optical fibers from insidethe NID 20. Although only one exterior connector port 22 is shown inFIG. 1, it is envisioned and will be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the base 28 and cover 34 may be configured toaccommodate more than one exterior connector port 22. Thus, it isconceivable that the NID 20 may receive more than one pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable 24, each containing one or more optical fibersoptically connected to respective optical fibers of the fiber opticcommunications network.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the pre-connectorized drop cable 24 is shownentering the base 28 and cover 34 through a slot 40 defined by at lastone of the base 28 and cover 34. The pre-connectorized drop cable 24 istypically installed through the bottom wall of the NID 20 so that ashort length of the drop cable 24 extends below the NID 20 and forms adrip loop in a known manner to direct moisture away from the NID 20.Inside the base 28, a connector receptacle 42 is secured to the mount38. As shown, a portion of the connector receptacle 42 is insertedthrough the mount 38. The connector receptacle 42 may be secured withinthe mount 38 using a threaded nut 44, a snap-fit, a press-fit, or othersimilar securing means. The connector 46 at the end of thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 is routed from outside the NID 20 intothe base 28 and inserted into the connector receptacle 42 of theexterior connector port 22. With the cover 34 removed (as shown), theinterior of the base 28 is readily accessible to a field technicianinstalling the connector receptacle 42 into the mount 38 and opticallyconnecting the connector 46 of the pre-connectorized drop cable 24 to amating connector of the connectorized optical fiber routed from insidethe NID 20. Once the connector receptacle 42 is initially installed andthe pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 connected to theconnectorized optical fiber, a field technician may subsequentlydisconnect the drop cable 24 or reconfigure (e.g., connect a different)drop cable 24 without disturbing the equipment and optical and/orelectrical connections housed within the interior cavity defined by theNID 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cut-away portion of the NID 20 comprising aninterior connector port 22 constructed in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown with the cover of the NID20 removed, thereby exposing the interior cavity of the NID 20 and itscontents. As with the embodiment described above, the NID 20 illustratedin FIG. 2 is intended to include, but is not limited to, any enclosure,container or housing, such as a NID, building entrance terminal (BET),pedestal or optical network unit (ONU) purchased by or for a subscriberto obtain communication services from a service provider. The NID 20 maybe of any shape or size provided that it defines a drop cable opening 26in an external wall of the NID 20. As previously described, the dropcable opening 26 is typically occupied by a grommet that protects theinterior of the NID from adverse environmental elements, such asinfestation, dirt, dust, moisture and wind-driven rain, and that can beremoved or modified (e.g., slit) to allow a drop cable to pass through.In this embodiment, however, the drop cable opening 26 is occupied by aninsert 50 positioned within the drop cable opening 26 and having acircular or cylindrical passageway 52 therethrough for receiving andguiding a pre-connectorized drop cable 24 (not shown) into the NID 20.In the embodiment shown, the insert 50 is comprised of two pieces thatare secured around the pre-connectorized drop cable 24 and positionedwithin the drop cable opening 26.

As previously described, the drop cable opening 26 is located within anexternal wall of the NID 20, and preferably within the bottom wall ofthe NID, and comprises one or more structural features for engaging theinsert 50. In the embodiment shown, the structural features comprise apair of tabs 30 adapted to be received within corresponding slots 32defined by the insert 50. The insert 50 may be positioned within thedrop cable opening 26 with the end portion of the pre-connectorized dropcable 24 extending into the interior cavity of the NID 20 when the cover(not shown) of the NID 20 is in an opened position. The interiorconnector port 22 is secured to a bracket 54 that is mounted to aninterior surface of the NID 20, for example the rear wall of the NID 20.The bracket 54 has a plurality of holes 56 formed therethrough forreceiving fasteners 58 or similar securing means, to secure the bracket54 within the interior cavity of the NID 20. The bracket 54 isconfigured to mount a connector receptacle 42, as previously described,thereon for optically connecting the end portions of the connectorizedoptical fiber and the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24.Preferably, the connector receptacle 42 and the passageway 52 formed bythe insert 50 are axially aligned. The insert 50 and bracket 54 are eachpreferably made of a lightweight, yet rigid material, such as aluminum,plastic or thermoplastic. Furthermore, the bracket 54 and the insert 50may have any of a variety of shapes that is suitable for mounting theconnector receptacle 42 and receiving the pre-connectorized drop cable24.

The connectorized optical fiber (not shown) is routed from inside theNID 20 and inserted into a first end of the connector receptacle 42. Thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 (not shown) extending into the NID 20 isthen inserted into a second end of the connector receptacle 42 so thatthe end portions of the connectorized optical fiber and thepre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 are optically connectedinside the NID 20. The pre-connectorized drop cable 24 is routed to theconnector port 22 when the cover (not shown) of the NID 20 is opened,thereby exposing the interior cavity of the NID 20. With the coveropened, the connector receptacle 42 is readily accessible to a fieldtechnician optically connecting a connectorized optical fiber to thepre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24. Once the connectorreceptacle 42 is initially installed and the pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable 24 connected to the connectorized optical fiber, afield technician may subsequently disconnect the drop cable 24 orreconfigure (e.g., connect a different) drop cable 24 by simply openingthe cover of the NID 20 in a known manner.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises an interiorconnector port 22 for connecting a single pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable 24 to one or more connectorized optical fibers from insidethe NID 20. Although only one interior connector port 22 is shown inFIG. 2, it is envisioned and will be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the insert 50 and the bracket 54 may be configuredto accommodate more than one interior connector port 22. Thus, it isconceivable that the NID 20 may receive more than one pre-connectorizedfiber optic drop cable 24, each containing one or more optical fibersoptically connected to respective optical fibers of the fiber opticcommunications network.

The pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 enters the NID 20through passageway 52 formed by insert 50 mounted within drop cableopening 26 defined by an external wall of the NID 20. Thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 is typically installed through thebottom wall of the NID 20 so that a short length of the drop cable 24extends below the NID 20 and forms a drip loop in a known manner todirect moisture away from the NID 20. The end portion of thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 extends into the interior cavity of theNID 20 and is routed to the second end of the connector receptacle 42.In the interior cavity of the NID 20, the connector receptacle 42 issecured to the bracket 54. As shown, a portion of the connectorreceptacle 42 is inserted through the bracket 54. The connectorreceptacle 42 may be secured within the bracket 54 using a threaded nut44, a snap-fit, a press-fit, or other similar securing means.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an insert 50 adapted for a NID 20 andconfigured to be positioned within a drop cable opening 26 provided in awall of the NID 20 according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. The insert 50 defines a circular orcylindrical passageway 52 for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable 24. A connector receptacle 42, as previously described, issecured to the insert 50, and the insert 50 is then positioned within adrop cable opening 26, or a similar opening or groove, defined by aninternal or external wall of the NID 20. As shown, the passageway 52 isformed by two pieces that are brought together to form the insert 50,each of which defines a semi-circular portion of the passageway 52. Theinsert 50, including the connector receptacle 42, is preferably made ofa lightweight, yet rigid material, such as aluminum, plastic orthermoplastic. The connector receptacle 42 is secured to the insert 50in any suitable manner such that the center of the connector receptacle42 is approximately coincident with the lengthwise axis of thepassageway 52. Preferably, the insert 50 is positioned within anexternal wall of the NID 20 with the connector receptacle 42 locatedwithin the interior cavity of the NID 20. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, a portion of the connector receptacle 42 is inserted through theinsert 50 such that one end of the connector receptacle 42 abuts thepassageway 52. The connector receptacle 42 may be secured to the insert50 using a threaded nut 44, a snap-fit, a press-fit, or other similarsecuring means. A connectorized optical fiber (not shown) is routed tothe first end of the connector receptacle 42 from inside the NID 20 andthe end portion of the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable 24 (notshown) is routed from outside the NID 20 to the second end of theconnector receptacle 42 to permit an optical fiber of thepre-connectorized drop cable 24 to be readily interconnected with theconnectorized optical fiber in the manner previously described. As such,the insert 50 is operable for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable 24 at a subscriber premises.

The insert 50 is preferably positioned within a drop cable opening 26having any suitable size or shape defined by an external wall of the NID20. The drop cable opening 26 provided in conventional NIDs, such as theFTTH/CATV Indoor/Outdoor Network Interface Device and the SABRE®Enclosure available from Corning Cables Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C., istypically occupied by a grommet that may be removed or modified toaccommodate the insert 50. The NID 20 is preferably mounted on theexterior wall of a home or building with the insert 50 positioned withina drop cable opening 26 defined by the bottom wall of the NID 20 so thata short length of the drop cable 24 extends below the NID 20 and forms adrip loop in a known manner to direct moisture away from the NID 20. Aspreviously mentioned, a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID20 is routed into the first end of the connector receptacle 42 and theend portion of the pre-connectorized drop cable 24 is inserted fromoutside the NID 20 through the passageway 52 formed by the insert 50into the second end of the connector receptacle 42.

As previously described, the drop cable opening 26 comprises one or morestructural features for engaging the insert 50. For example, thestructural features may comprise a pair of tabs adapted to be receivedwithin corresponding slots 32 defined by the insert 50. The insert 50may be positioned within the drop cable opening 26 when the cover (notshown) of the NID 20 is in an opened position. Once the opticalconnections have been made as described above, the cover of the NID 20is closed to further secure the insert 50 in place within the drop cableopening 26. The insert 50 may be positioned within the drop cableopening 26 underneath a service provider access cover in order torestrict access to the connector receptacle 42 and the connectorizedoptical fiber. Although this embodiment has been described such that theconnector receptacle 42 is located within the internal cavity of the NID20, it is envisioned and will be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the insert 50 may be positioned within the dropcable opening 26 so that the passageway 52 is located within theinterior cavity of the NID 20 and the connector receptacle 42 is locatedoutside the NID 20. In the event that the connector receptacle 42 islocated outside the NID 20, the first end and the second end of theconnector receptacle 42 may be reversed to permit the pre-connectorizeddrop cable 24 to be more easily inserted into the connector receptacle42 from outside the NID 20.

The exemplary embodiments of a connector port adapted for a NID andoperable for readily interconnecting a pre-connectorized fiber opticdrop cable from outside the NID with a connectorized optical fiber frominside the NID shown and described herein provide a number ofsignificant advantages. For purposes of example only, and not by way oflimitation, a connector port constructed in accordance with theinvention provides a field technician with the ability to readilyconnect, disconnect and reconfigure a pre-connectorized fiber optic dropcable in a plug-and-play connector port adjacent to an external wall ofthe NID, within the interior cavity of the NID, or through an externalwall of the NID. In addition, connectorized optical fibers from theinside of the NID may be routed to the connector port during initialinstallation, thus eliminating the need for a field technician to enterthe NID to connect a pre-connectorized drop cable at any time followingthe initial installation. Thus, a NID and connector port constructed inaccordance with the present invention eliminates the need for fusionsplicing or mechanically splicing a fiber optic drop cable to an opticalfiber in the field to connect a subscriber to an optical communicationsnetwork.

The foregoing is a description of various embodiments of the inventionthat are provided here by way of example only. Although a connector portfor use in an optical network and adapted for a NID has been describedwith reference to preferred embodiments and examples thereof, otherembodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achievesimilar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to becovered by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A network interface device adapted to opticallyconnect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interfacedevice to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside thenetwork interface device, the network interface device comprising: abase and a cover moveably mounted to the base, wherein the base and thecover define an interior cavity when the cover selectively defines aclosed position, wherein the base and the cover define an external wallof the network interface device; a connector port comprising a connectorreceptacle secured to the network interface device, the connectorreceptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorizedoptical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiberoptic drop cable, wherein the connector receptacle defines an axis thatis generally aligned with an axis of the received connectorized opticalfiber and the received pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable; and adrop cable opening located within an external wall of the NID, the dropcable opening defining an axis therethrough, wherein the axis of theconnector receptacle is generally parallel to the axis of the drop cableopening.